Heterogeneous Catalysts for Biodiesel Production

Dear Colleagues,

Biodiesel is one of the promising alternatives to conventional fossil-based diesel/fuels in significantly combating the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. It can be obtained by transesterification of oil and fats from plants and animals, respectively. However, there are two major viable sources for biodiesel, including those that are (i) waste food-based and (ii) cellulosic non-food-based. The transesterification of oil/fat reactions is carried out in the presence of a homogeneous or heterogeneous catalyst, which can be classified into basic, acidic, dual, or mixed acid–base and enzyme-based. Recent studies indicate that the use of a heterogeneous solid catalyst offers high conversion and good selectivity. In addition, solid phase catalysts are recyclable, environmentally benign, and economically more attractive.

Along with the above advantages, there are several challenges associated with solid-based catalysts, including short catalyst life; slow reaction rate; instability; and sensitivity to CO₂, water, and free fatty acid, which cases serious deactivation via saponification.

To address the aforementioned issues of the transesterification reactions/catalysts for biodiesel production, several catalyst modifications and strategies have been considered. The investigations broadly include supported catalysts with doping/modification to adjust the acidity/basicity, composite catalysts, bimetallic/multimetallic catalysts, co-catalysts, nanostructuring, etc. In addition, there are efforts toward using recycled materials, the energy-efficient recovery of materials, and the economic feasibility of catalytic biodiesel production processes.

This Special Issue entitled “Heterogeneous Catalysts for Biodiesel Production” will concentrate on the state of the art and outlooks for catalytic biodiesel production. The research findings aim at the fundamental exploration of catalyst developments: catalyst syntheses, characterizations and testing in laboratory/larger scales, catalyst deactivation, reaction mechanism, kinetics investigations, catalytic reactors, and experiences in catalytic process operations in biodiesel production are of principal interest to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Mozahar Hossain
Prof. Dr. Oki Muraza
Guest Editors

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• Biodiesel
• Biofuels
• Used oils/fats
• Lipids
• Transesterification
• Catalytic process
• Heterogeneous catalysts
• Supported catalysts
• Mixed metal catalysts
• Reaction mechanism
• Kinetics